Led by the institution’s head instructor, Sammy Rachele, the quartet of Brodie Fitzgerald, Brendon Leeder, Allena Nigro and Damon Vasterink are expected to represent their country on the big stage this year, subject to confirmation.
The athletes from the Goulburn Valley received congratulatory letters from Josh O’Brien, the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Taekwondo governing body, earlier this month.
However, Australian Taekwondo currently remains unaware of the date and location of the 2026 Para Poomsae World Championships, as well as the number of athletes a country is permitted to nominate per sport class.
Australian Taekwondo has vowed that as soon as it receives this information, the team for 2026 World Para Poomsae Championships will be finalised and official selection letters will be sent to athletes.
Legendary Shepparton figure Rachele was previously called up by Australia to compete in the prestigious Chuncheon 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships from September 16 to 20.
His distinguished career in the Dojang has already saw him pick up a gold medal at the 2011 Commonwealth Games as well as clinching the national title on several occasions.
He has now reflected on the news that four of his disciples have received the preliminary nod to fly the flag for the land down under at the upcoming World Taekwondo Para Poomsae Championships.
“These kids keep me going, they’re the pride of what I’m doing at the moment, everything that they do is over and above what anyone else does - it doesn’t compare because of the hurdles they have to face every day with what they do,” he said.
“When you think about Shepparton, four of the Victorian team is from here and that is what is the proudest thing for me.
“I’m just hoping that we can get some funding in, we’re going to start some fundraising as there’s no funding at all available for any of these competitions, so we’re going to start working on that.
“We’ll be knocking on doors to make things easier (for the para-athletes) - we keep on plugging away,” he said.
As for the key to producing such an enviable plethora of talents right here in Shepparton, the instructor admits that the success would not be possible without the support of a host of unsung heroes.
“The key has been the support that they have at home and elsewhere to be able to get them to training and for the funding required to get them to go into competitions and travel backwards and forwards,” Rachele said.
“Without those people supporting, I wouldn’t have them (the para-athletes).”
As those selected for the 2026 World Taekwondo Para Poomsae Championships wait on confirmation of news over a venue and date for the competition, Rachele confirmed that preparations will go ahead as planned.
“The main training at the moment is for the State Selections on July 23, before the Nationals in Canberra in October,” he said of the current training plans for his para-athletes.
“So we’re just waiting to see what comes up with it (the 2026 World Taekwondo Para Poomsae Championships), with a country or the date.
“If it happens, then great, if it doesn’t then we will just keep pushing forward and trying to teach the kids a little bit more than what they already know.
“So every week, we’re just improving their skills and their techniques, teaching them new things - so if the rules ever change and there’s different ways that they need to compete, we’re ready for it.”
